High School Solving Square Root & Quadratic Equations

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the manipulation of square root equations, specifically the equation 0 = √x - √x. Participants clarify that this equation simplifies to 0 = 0, valid for any nonnegative real number x. The confusion arises when attempting to equate it to 0 = -√x - √x, which is not equivalent. The consensus is that while square roots yield multiple solutions, the manipulation of these equations must adhere to mathematical principles to avoid misinterpretation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of square root properties
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
  • Familiarity with quadratic equations
  • Knowledge of real number properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of square roots in algebra
  • Learn about the solutions of quadratic equations
  • Explore the concept of undefined equations in mathematics
  • Review algebraic identities and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and anyone interested in mastering algebraic equations, particularly those involving square roots and quadratic forms.

Einstein's Cat
Messages
182
Reaction score
2
Let's say there's an equation

0 = √x - √x

I intend to make x the subject of the equation; however because it is a square root, there are numerous solutions; however can I just assume that

0= √x - -√x= 2√x

Can I now just rearrange this equation to make x the subject? In other words is the equation above equivalent to the equation below?

0= -√x -√x = -2√x

Would the same be true if there were roots in a quadratic equation?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Do you really expect that a-a=2a in general? Here a=sqrt(x).

What do you know about the solutions to the equation 0=a-a?
 
If something equals 0, you can flip the sign any way you want.
If x = 0, then -x = 0 as well
 
mfb said:
Do you really expect that a-a=2a in general? Here a=sqrt(x).

What do you know about the solutions to the equation 0=a-a?

I think that as this applies to any number; the solutions is any number and therefore the equation is undefined.
 
Einstein's Cat said:
Let's say there's an equation

0 = √x - √x
Do you realize that the right side is equal to zero for any nonnegative real number x?
Einstein's Cat said:
I intend to make x the subject of the equation; however because it is a square root, there are numerous solutions
Not sure what you mean by this. The symbol ##\sqrt{x}## has one value, assuming that ##x \ge 0##.
Einstein's Cat said:
; however can I just assume that

0= √x - -√x= 2√x
?
This is different from the equation you have at the top of your post.
The first equation you show is √x - √x = 0. The equation just above, when simplified is √x + √x = 0. These two equations are not equivalent.
Einstein's Cat said:
Can I now just rearrange this equation to make x the subject? In other words is the equation above equivalent to the equation below?

0= -√x -√x = -2√x

Would the same be true if there were roots in a quadratic equation?
I don't understand what you're asking here.
 
Mark44 said:
Do you realize that the right side is equal to zero for any nonnegative real number x?
Not sure what you mean by this. The symbol ##\sqrt{x}## has one value, assuming that ##x \ge 0##.
?
This is different from the equation you have at the top of your post.
The first equation you show is √x - √x = 0. The equation just above, when simplified is √x + √x = 0. These two equations are not equivalent.

I don't understand what you're asking here.
I apologise for I am unable to express what I mean; this thread serves no purpose
 
Einstein's Cat said:
I apologise for I am unable to express what I mean; this thread serves no purpose
Thread closed.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K